Godzilla's Gareth Edwards to direct Star Wars spin-off

BRITISH filmmaker Gareth Edwards is set to direct one of the new Star Wars spin-off films, according to Walt Disney Co.

The unnamed film will be in addition to the forthcoming Star Wars trilogy, the first instalment of which will be directed by JJ Abrams.

Edwards is currently riding high off the success of his first blockbuster movie, Godzilla, which has already taken more than $216m (£128m) worldwide, according to Boxofficemojo.com after just one week of general release.

He made his name directing the low-budget Monsters, which paved the way for him to move up to Godzilla.

Gary Whitta, who penned the script for 2010’s The Book of Eli, will write the screenplay for Edwards’ film.

Edwards said in a statement: “Ever since I saw Star Wars I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life – join the Rebel Alliance! I could not be more excited and honoured to go on this mission.”

Whitta echoed his sentiments by describing the “opportunity to contribute” as “literally a dream come true”.

Star Wars: Episode VII is due to be released next year and filming is now underway.